Industrial Biotechnology: Re-Evolutionizing the Chemicals & Plastics Industry

• Recent advances in industrial biotechnology are revolutionizing the production of chemicals, plastics and other consumer products from a range of renewable feedstocks
• These new biobased products have the potential to greatly reduce dependence on petroleum and slash greenhouse gas emissions while creating tens of thousands of new jobs in a bio-based economy
• The high cost of petroleum combined with new breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics has resulted in a rapid expansion in opportunities for renewable chemical production
• This presentation will survey the technological advances and commercial endeavors that are forming the leading edge of the next industrial re-evolution

Dr Matt Carr, Director, Policy, Industrial and Environmental Section, Biotechnology Industry Organisation (BIO), USA

Principles & Concepts Underlying Bioplastics and Bioproducts Development

What is the ‘value proposition’ for switching to a bio-renewable carbon feedstock base?
- How does incorporating bio content into a product reduce carbon footprint and move to a zero carbon footprint?

• How do you define a ‘bio product’ and how do you identify and measure bio content?
• How do you calculate and present ‘true life cycle costs’ of bioplastics and products in comparison to existing products?
• What about biodegradability and end of life options for bioplastics and bioproducts?

Ramani Narayan, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University, USA

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